Martha Drentlaw
Martha Mary Shankey Drentlaw entered into God’s loving care on Friday, June 19, 2009, at her home in Northfield, at the age of 89.
Martha was born December 12, 1919, in Kenyon, Minnesota, to John and Exzilda (Carpentier) Shankey. She was baptized at St. Mathias in Hampton, raised on the family farm, and attended Catholic and country schools in the Northfield area. Martha married Donald Drentlaw on January 8, 1941, in Iowa.
After marriage they lived on the Art Bruce farm which is now the Northfield Retirement Center. After leaving the farm they made their home in Dundas for many years where Martha was very active in the Dundas Methodist Church until it was disbanded. After Don died she became a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. She worked at Denricks making pool table covers for a time, and then went to Carleton College where she worked for 25 years until retiring. She enjoyed playing cards, baking, reading and entertaining. She was famous for her cinnamon rolls, and did crewel needlework pictures which are proudly displayed in the homes of family and friends. She always had the coffee brewing and baked goods on a plate for all to enjoy.
Family was very important to her and she loved each and every one of them. Survivors include her children and their spouses: Beverly and Tom Heyerholm of Brookfield, Wisconsin, Nancy and Allan Swenson of Northfield, and Bryan of Northfield; special friend Martha Lee (Gary) Doherty of Rochester; 7 grandchildren: John (Rita) Heyerholm, Jay (Stephine) Heyerholm, Kerry Lynn Cox, Chad and Craig Swenson, Daniel and Darla Drentlaw; 6 great-grandchildren: Heather, Hope, Jonah and Noah Heyerholm, Olivia Berg and Malia Cox; two sisters: Lorraine Robbins of Hinckley, Edna Kotek of Faribault; one brother, Maurice (Jean) Shankey of Coon Rapids; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her son, DuWayne; her sisters: Lillian Drentlaw, Ethel Christ, Gladys Shankey; and her brothers: Martin, Gilhart, Leonard, Warren and Chester Shankey.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Northfield with Rev. Craig Ellingboe and Rev. Paul Graham officiating. Music will be provided by Craig Wasner. Interment will be in Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault. Casket bearers will be John Heyerholm, Jay Heyerholm, Chad Swenson, Craig Swenson, Kerry Lynn Cox, Daniel Drentlaw and Darla Drentlaw. Honorary casket bearers are her great-grandchildren and Martha Lee Doherty. Visitation will be 4-7 P.M. Monday, June 22, 2009, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to the funeral.
Memorials are preferred to Northfield Hospice or Courage Center.
Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.
